Adrian Gonzalez is the Padres’ only reliable bat, but they keep winning.
The American League East has three teams—the Rays, Yankees and Red Sox—in the top 10 of this week’s power poll. That’s not even the least bit surprising.
That the National League West can make the same claim, though, is at least a little bit surprising. The Padres, despite their lack of a legitimate offensive threat other than Adrian Gonzalez, are 11 games over .500 and leading the division. The Dodgers, despite their offseason of inactivity because of the tumultuous situation regarding the owners, are a game back. The Giants, despite another inconsistent offensive lineup (though, better than last year), are a game-and-a-half behind the Padres. Anyway, on to the poll.
1. Rays (last week: 1). After watching his batting average plunge to a season-low .169 on June 5, Carlos Pena has seven homers, 10 RBIs and a .345 average (1.456 OPS) in his past in seven games. The Rays, though, are just 4-3 in that span and have been caught atop the AL East by the Yankees.
2. Yankees (2). Last week, we said not to read too much into Jorge Posada’s poor performance so far this year with runners on base because of the small sample size. So what does Posada do this weekend? Grand slams in back-to-back games. Patience is a virtue (when analyzing stats, not when your BCS conference affiliation is on the line).
3. Padres (3). Before the Dodgers took first place last Tuesday, the Padres had been in first place (alone or tied) since April 19. After taking two of three against the Mariners this weekend, they’re back atop the division entering the week.
4. Braves (4). Kenshin Kawakami has an 0-8 record this season despite a relatively respectable 4.48 ERA. To add further evidence to the wins-aren’t-a-reliable-stat argument, 33 pitchers entered the week with at least four wins and an ERA of 4.48 or higher. Derek Lowe, Kawakami’s teammate, is 8-5 despite his 4.81 ERA.
5. Mets (15). David Wright leads the Mets with 12 homers. Which is, y’know, the season-ending total team-leader Daniel Murphy had for the 2009 Mets. Wright is hitting .394 with 11 RBIs and three of those bombs during the Mets’ current stretch of eight wins in nine games.
What happened to Joe Mauer’s power?
6. Twins (8). So, at what point do people start to talk about Joe Mauer’s lack of power this season? He had 28 homers last season in 138 games; this year he has two in 55 contests.
7. Dodgers (6). After reeling off six consecutive starts in which he allowed two runs or fewer, rookie John Ely has been touched for eight runs in his past two starts. Still, though, his 3.38 ERA through nine outings has far exceeded expectations.
8. Red Sox (10). Dustin Pedroia and Marco Scutaro enter the week with exactly 298 plate appearances each. Pedroia has more doubles, homers, RBIs and stolen bases and has a better OPS; Scutaro leads his middle-infield mate in runs, hits, average and on-base percentage.
9. Giants (14). Juan Uribe is getting love on the West Coast for his offensive production this season, but I wonder how many folks east of Yosemite know he’s hitting .290 with 10 homers and a team-high 41 RBIs.
10. Reds (7). Yes, the Reds are in first place in the NL Central, but they drop a few spots after dropping two of three at home to the Royals this weekend.
11. Rangers (12). After a rough start to his life in the majors, Justin Smoak is starting to heat up for the Rangers. The rookie first baseman is batting .317 with a pair of homers and 12 RBIs in his first 13 June games. This, after hitting .175 in his first 35 games.
12. Angels (13). Erick Aybar has seven multihit games in his past 14 contests; he’s hitting .424 in that span, with five stolen bases, six RBIs, seven extra-base hits and 13 runs scored.
13. Tigers (17). The Tigers’ sweep of the Pirates this weekend was the first time they’ve won three in a row since a five-game streak that ended on May 2.
14. Cardinals (5). The Cardinals haven’t done much right in losing seven of their past eight games. The bright side is they’re only a game-and-a-half behind the Reds in the NL Central to start the week.
15. Blue Jays (9). Seven Blue Jays have at least eight home runs on the season, and Toronto’s team total of 99 leads the majors, 15 ahead of the Red Sox. Which is why it’s a bit surprising that the Blue Jays have failed to score more than three runs in any of their past eight games.
16. Phillies (11). Starting May 22, the Phillies are just 6-14. They’re averaging 1.43 runs per game in those losses and 4.67 runs per game in the wins.
17. Rockies (16). No chance of Carlos Gonzalez being voted in as a starter for the National League All-Star team, but the Rockies’ center fielder belongs in the game. He’s hitting .302 and leads the Rockies in homers (10), RBIs (41) and stolen bases (eight).
18. A’s (18). Trevor Cahill has allowed more than one earned run just once in his past five starts. He’s 4-0 with a 1.91 ERA in that stretch.
Josh Johnson has dominated.
19. Marlins (19). This is getting ridiculous. Ace Josh Johnson has allowed just one earned run in his past five starts, covering 35 innings. That’s a tidy 0.26 ERA.
20. Nationals (20). Josh Johnson’s dominance is impressive but not necessarily unexpected. What is unexpected is Livan Hernandez and his 2.28 ERA. He’s allowed more than two earned runs just twice in 12 start; this, despite having just 33 strikeouts against 25 walks.
21. White Sox (23). At least the White Sox took two of three from the Cubs this weekend, eh?
22. Cubs (21). As if this season wasn’t enough of a disappointment, the Cubs lost two of three at home to the cross-town Sox.
23. Royals (22). The Royals did their in-state neighbors, the Cardinals, a favor when they went into Cincinnati and took two of three from the Reds.
24. Diamondbacks (28). Ian Kennedy has been the Diamondbacks’ best starter since the beginning of May. In those eight starts, he’s fashioned a 2.42 ERA, though personally he’s just 2-2 in that stretch.
25. Brewers (24). The Milwaukee pitching staff is third in the majors in strikeouts, but 28th in ERA, 29th in hits allowed, 30th in walks allowed and (not shockingly) 30th in WHIP.
26. Astros (27). The Houston offense is last in the majors in batting average (.236), on-base percentage (.287) and slugging percentage (.339).
27. Mariners (26). Sixty-three games into the season and not one Mariner has more than 15 extra-base hits on the season. They have 138 as a team, which is last in the AL; the Red Sox and Blue Jays are tied for the league lead with 254.
28. Indians (29). Prize prospect Carlos Santana got the call-up last week. In his first three games, he delivered a homer and three RBIs to go with a .273 batting average. He was hitting .316 with 13 homers and a 1.044 OPS for Class AAA Columbus.
29. Pirates (25). Tough times for the Pirates. They’ve lost eight in a row.
30. Orioles (30). The Orioles’ winning percentage is .270 (17-46). Only two teams since 1935—the 1962 Mets and 2003 Tigers—have finished with worse marks.
Ryan Fagan is a writer for Sporting News. E-mail him at rfagan@sportingnews.com, and follow him on Twitter at twitter.com/ryan_fagan.
Adrian Gonzalez is the Padres’ only reliable bat, but they keep winning.
The American League East has three teams—the Rays, Yankees and Red Sox—in the top 10 of this week’s power poll. That’s not even the least bit surprising.
That the National League West can make the same claim, though, is at least a little bit surprising. The Padres, despite their lack of a legitimate offensive threat other than Adrian Gonzalez, are 11 games over .500 and leading the division. The Dodgers, despite their offseason of inactivity because of the tumultuous situation regarding the owners, are a game back. The Giants, despite another inconsistent offensive lineup (though, better than last year), are a game-and-a-half behind the Padres. Anyway, on to the poll.
1. Rays (last week: 1). After watching his batting average plunge to a season-low .169 on June 5, Carlos Pena has seven homers, 10 RBIs and a .345 average (1.456 OPS) in his past in seven games. The Rays, though, are just 4-3 in that span and have been caught atop the AL East by the Yankees.
2. Yankees (2). Last week, we said not to read too much into Jorge Posada’s poor performance so far this year with runners on base because of the small sample size. So what does Posada do this weekend? Grand slams in back-to-back games. Patience is a virtue (when analyzing stats, not when your BCS conference affiliation is on the line).
3. Padres (3). Before the Dodgers took first place last Tuesday, the Padres had been in first place (alone or tied) since April 19. After taking two of three against the Mariners this weekend, they’re back atop the division entering the week.
4. Braves (4). Kenshin Kawakami has an 0-8 record this season despite a relatively respectable 4.48 ERA. To add further evidence to the wins-aren’t-a-reliable-stat argument, 33 pitchers entered the week with at least four wins and an ERA of 4.48 or higher. Derek Lowe, Kawakami’s teammate, is 8-5 despite his 4.81 ERA.
5. Mets (15). David Wright leads the Mets with 12 homers. Which is, y’know, the season-ending total team-leader Daniel Murphy had for the 2009 Mets. Wright is hitting .394 with 11 RBIs and three of those bombs during the Mets’ current stretch of eight wins in nine games.
What happened to Joe Mauer’s power?
6. Twins (8). So, at what point do people start to talk about Joe Mauer’s lack of power this season? He had 28 homers last season in 138 games; this year he has two in 55 contests.
7. Dodgers (6). After reeling off six consecutive starts in which he allowed two runs or fewer, rookie John Ely has been touched for eight runs in his past two starts. Still, though, his 3.38 ERA through nine outings has far exceeded expectations.
8. Red Sox (10). Dustin Pedroia and Marco Scutaro enter the week with exactly 298 plate appearances each. Pedroia has more doubles, homers, RBIs and stolen bases and has a better OPS; Scutaro leads his middle-infield mate in runs, hits, average and on-base percentage.
9. Giants (14). Juan Uribe is getting love on the West Coast for his offensive production this season, but I wonder how many folks east of Yosemite know he’s hitting .290 with 10 homers and a team-high 41 RBIs.
10. Reds (7). Yes, the Reds are in first place in the NL Central, but they drop a few spots after dropping two of three at home to the Royals this weekend.
11. Rangers (12). After a rough start to his life in the majors, Justin Smoak is starting to heat up for the Rangers. The rookie first baseman is batting .317 with a pair of homers and 12 RBIs in his first 13 June games. This, after hitting .175 in his first 35 games.
12. Angels (13). Erick Aybar has seven multihit games in his past 14 contests; he’s hitting .424 in that span, with five stolen bases, six RBIs, seven extra-base hits and 13 runs scored.
13. Tigers (17). The Tigers’ sweep of the Pirates this weekend was the first time they’ve won three in a row since a five-game streak that ended on May 2.
14. Cardinals (5). The Cardinals haven’t done much right in losing seven of their past eight games. The bright side is they’re only a game-and-a-half behind the Reds in the NL Central to start the week.
15. Blue Jays (9). Seven Blue Jays have at least eight home runs on the season, and Toronto’s team total of 99 leads the majors, 15 ahead of the Red Sox. Which is why it’s a bit surprising that the Blue Jays have failed to score more than three runs in any of their past eight games.
16. Phillies (11). Starting May 22, the Phillies are just 6-14. They’re averaging 1.43 runs per game in those losses and 4.67 runs per game in the wins.
17. Rockies (16). No chance of Carlos Gonzalez being voted in as a starter for the National League All-Star team, but the Rockies’ center fielder belongs in the game. He’s hitting .302 and leads the Rockies in homers (10), RBIs (41) and stolen bases (eight).
18. A’s (18). Trevor Cahill has allowed more than one earned run just once in his past five starts. He’s 4-0 with a 1.91 ERA in that stretch.
Josh Johnson has dominated.
19. Marlins (19). This is getting ridiculous. Ace Josh Johnson has allowed just one earned run in his past five starts, covering 35 innings. That’s a tidy 0.26 ERA.
20. Nationals (20). Josh Johnson’s dominance is impressive but not necessarily unexpected. What is unexpected is Livan Hernandez and his 2.28 ERA. He’s allowed more than two earned runs just twice in 12 start; this, despite having just 33 strikeouts against 25 walks.
21. White Sox (23). At least the White Sox took two of three from the Cubs this weekend, eh?
22. Cubs (21). As if this season wasn’t enough of a disappointment, the Cubs lost two of three at home to the cross-town Sox.
23. Royals (22). The Royals did their in-state neighbors, the Cardinals, a favor when they went into Cincinnati and took two of three from the Reds.
24. Diamondbacks (28). Ian Kennedy has been the Diamondbacks’ best starter since the beginning of May. In those eight starts, he’s fashioned a 2.42 ERA, though personally he’s just 2-2 in that stretch.
25. Brewers (24). The Milwaukee pitching staff is third in the majors in strikeouts, but 28th in ERA, 29th in hits allowed, 30th in walks allowed and (not shockingly) 30th in WHIP.
26. Astros (27). The Houston offense is last in the majors in batting average (.236), on-base percentage (.287) and slugging percentage (.339).
27. Mariners (26). Sixty-three games into the season and not one Mariner has more than 15 extra-base hits on the season. They have 138 as a team, which is last in the AL; the Red Sox and Blue Jays are tied for the league lead with 254.
28. Indians (29). Prize prospect Carlos Santana got the call-up last week. In his first three games, he delivered a homer and three RBIs to go with a .273 batting average. He was hitting .316 with 13 homers and a 1.044 OPS for Class AAA Columbus.
29. Pirates (25). Tough times for the Pirates. They’ve lost eight in a row.
30. Orioles (30). The Orioles’ winning percentage is .270 (17-46). Only two teams since 1935—the 1962 Mets and 2003 Tigers—have finished with worse marks.
Ryan Fagan is a writer for Sporting News. E-mail him at rfagan@sportingnews.com, and follow him on Twitter at twitter.com/ryan_fagan.
Right now, Washington Nationals fans are being treated to a stretch of dominant pitching by rookie phenom Stephen Strasburg. However, Strasburg isn’t the only one in the Nationals’ system on the fast track to stardom. In this year’s amateur draft, they selected Bryce Harper, a 17-year-old slugger who destroyed junior college pitching this season for the College of Southern Nevada.
Harper and his CSN manager, Tim Chambers, joined Seat Williams on ESPN Radio Las Vegas to discuss who Harper is as a person and what’s in store for him in the pro ranks. To listen to the interview, go to Sports Radio Interviews. Responses have been edited for clarity and brevity.
Bryce Harper was the number one overall pick in the 2010 MLB first year amateur player draft.
How would Coach Chambers characterize Harper?
Chambers: I get asked that question a lot. To me, he’s just Bryce. I don’t believe that I treat him any differently than I do the other kids, other than he gets to eat dinner with me every once in a while, and he’s going to go to my three year old’s birthday party today. He’s just Bryce when he’s with us.
But, certainly, we understand what he is going through. It’s been a whirlwind year for him. He got a lot of criticism for leaving early. One of the sayings in our video is that, "We play to prove them right, not to prove them wrong." Bryce played to prove some people right and he certainly proved a lot of people wrong…
For the naysayers, I would say you don’t know him. His teammates and his coaches, who were around him every day for a year, and some of us since he was a chubby little guy hitting in his football pads at the cages at CSN, know him. They don’t know him. Certainly, if you are going to make a negative comment, you’d better know the person you are making it about, would be my opinion. We don’t really pay attention to those guys. We pay attention to the positives around here.
How did Harper celebrate with Scott Boras when he was drafted first overall in the MLB draft?
Harper: He just gave me a handshake and hugged me. He teared up a little bit. He’s great people. They have great people at Boras Corp. They’re all for the baseball guys. They’re just trying to get what they can do to help you out. They’re great people down there.
What was the process behind the decision to shift from catcher to outfield?
Harper: I had no idea what they were going to do with me. It’s whatever they want me to do. If they think it’s best for me to play right field, then that’s where I am going to play.
What does Harper think about Stephen Strasburg?
Harper: He has the talent to be one of the best pitchers ever to play the game. I’d like to watch the thing playing in right field. It might be a little boring because he is so good and he might strike a lot of guys out.
CSN plays in a wood bat league. Did that affect Harper’s draft stock?
Chambers: There’s no question the wood bat helps the scouts. There have been a whole lot of guys, especially at the college level, who hit for a lot of power with the aluminum, and they got a wood bat in their hands and it made things a lot more difficult.
As a pro, will Harper try to wear eye black down his cheeks like he did at CSN?
Harper: I’m not going to wear it [in the minors]. It’s a different level. It’s a different stage of baseball. I didn’t wear it with Team USA. I’m not going to take it to the big leagues or anything like that, or in the minors. That’s in the past. I was fortunate Coach Chambers let me wear it and be myself.
More from SRI
Beanie Wells talks about the upcoming NFL season
Chris Pronger reflects on losing in the Stanley Cup Finals
Right now, Washington Nationals fans are being treated to a stretch of dominant pitching by rookie phenom Stephen Strasburg. However, Strasburg isn’t the only one in the Nationals’ system on the fast track to stardom. In this year’s amateur draft, they selected Bryce Harper, a 17-year-old slugger who destroyed junior college pitching this season for the College of Southern Nevada.
Harper and his CSN manager, Tim Chambers, joined Seat Williams on ESPN Radio Las Vegas to discuss who Harper is as a person and what’s in store for him in the pro ranks. To listen to the interview, go to Sports Radio Interviews. Responses have been edited for clarity and brevity.
Bryce Harper was the number one overall pick in the 2010 MLB first year amateur player draft.
How would Coach Chambers characterize Harper?
Chambers: I get asked that question a lot. To me, he’s just Bryce. I don’t believe that I treat him any differently than I do the other kids, other than he gets to eat dinner with me every once in a while, and he’s going to go to my three year old’s birthday party today. He’s just Bryce when he’s with us.
But, certainly, we understand what he is going through. It’s been a whirlwind year for him. He got a lot of criticism for leaving early. One of the sayings in our video is that, "We play to prove them right, not to prove them wrong." Bryce played to prove some people right and he certainly proved a lot of people wrong…
For the naysayers, I would say you don’t know him. His teammates and his coaches, who were around him every day for a year, and some of us since he was a chubby little guy hitting in his football pads at the cages at CSN, know him. They don’t know him. Certainly, if you are going to make a negative comment, you’d better know the person you are making it about, would be my opinion. We don’t really pay attention to those guys. We pay attention to the positives around here.
How did Harper celebrate with Scott Boras when he was drafted first overall in the MLB draft?
Harper: He just gave me a handshake and hugged me. He teared up a little bit. He’s great people. They have great people at Boras Corp. They’re all for the baseball guys. They’re just trying to get what they can do to help you out. They’re great people down there.
What was the process behind the decision to shift from catcher to outfield?
Harper: I had no idea what they were going to do with me. It’s whatever they want me to do. If they think it’s best for me to play right field, then that’s where I am going to play.
What does Harper think about Stephen Strasburg?
Harper: He has the talent to be one of the best pitchers ever to play the game. I’d like to watch the thing playing in right field. It might be a little boring because he is so good and he might strike a lot of guys out.
CSN plays in a wood bat league. Did that affect Harper’s draft stock?
Chambers: There’s no question the wood bat helps the scouts. There have been a whole lot of guys, especially at the college level, who hit for a lot of power with the aluminum, and they got a wood bat in their hands and it made things a lot more difficult.
As a pro, will Harper try to wear eye black down his cheeks like he did at CSN?
Harper: I’m not going to wear it [in the minors]. It’s a different level. It’s a different stage of baseball. I didn’t wear it with Team USA. I’m not going to take it to the big leagues or anything like that, or in the minors. That’s in the past. I was fortunate Coach Chambers let me wear it and be myself.
More from SRI
Beanie Wells talks about the upcoming NFL season
Chris Pronger reflects on losing in the Stanley Cup Finals
Sporting News staff reports
Red Sox rookie outfielder Daniel Nava, who hit the first major-league pitch he saw for a grand slam on Saturday, has a big crush on ESPN sideline reporter/ABC dancing star Erin Andrews. Nava, 27, has been leaving a ticket for Andrews, 32, at the players’ gate for every game the past three seasons in the minor leagues, according to WBZ-TV.
Nava is continuing the tradition now that he’s been called up to the Red Sox, but Andrews has yet to take him up on his offer. Nava said he got the idea from Cowboys QB Tony Romo, who reportedly left countless tickets for pop singer Jessica Simpson before she finally showed up and then started dating him.
Nava’s scheme just might work, too.
Andrews heard about the ticket offer and posted a congratulatory note on her Twitter page Saturday night, after Nava’s grand slam. She wrote: "Pass along my best to Daniel. Congrats on a big day that will go down in Sox history. Hope to meet him soon."
Sporting News staff reports
Red Sox rookie outfielder Daniel Nava, who hit the first major-league pitch he saw for a grand slam on Saturday, has a big crush on ESPN sideline reporter/ABC dancing star Erin Andrews. Nava, 27, has been leaving a ticket for Andrews, 32, at the players’ gate for every game the past three seasons in the minor leagues, according to WBZ-TV.
Nava is continuing the tradition now that he’s been called up to the Red Sox, but Andrews has yet to take him up on his offer. Nava said he got the idea from Cowboys QB Tony Romo, who reportedly left countless tickets for pop singer Jessica Simpson before she finally showed up and then started dating him.
Nava’s scheme just might work, too.
Andrews heard about the ticket offer and posted a congratulatory note on her Twitter page Saturday night, after Nava’s grand slam. She wrote: "Pass along my best to Daniel. Congrats on a big day that will go down in Sox history. Hope to meet him soon."
Sporting News staff reports
Andy MacPhail, the Orioles’ president of baseball operations, says there’s no guarantee his search for a full-time manager will be concluded before this season ends.
MacPhail told the Baltimore Sun his recent interviews of Eric Wedge and Bobby Valentine were conducted to "assess their interest." He pointed out that neither was disruptive because Wedge and Valentine currently are not associated with a team.
"I don’t know how it is going to play out. We don’t know how long it is going to go, too many variables," MacPhail told the paper. "You just made an interim change and then you look at the landscape. I think it depends on your pool of candidates, where you are in the process, how comfortable you are with what your options are."
MacPhail talked to Wedge, the former Indians manager, on Wednesday. Valentine, a former Mets and Rangers manager, was interviewed on Friday.
With Juan Samuel working on an interim basis in place of fired Dave Trembley, MacPhail stressed that no decision is looming and no further interviews are scheduled.
Sporting News staff reports
Andy MacPhail, the Orioles’ president of baseball operations, says there’s no guarantee his search for a full-time manager will be concluded before this season ends.
MacPhail told the Baltimore Sun his recent interviews of Eric Wedge and Bobby Valentine were conducted to "assess their interest." He pointed out that neither was disruptive because Wedge and Valentine currently are not associated with a team.
"I don’t know how it is going to play out. We don’t know how long it is going to go, too many variables," MacPhail told the paper. "You just made an interim change and then you look at the landscape. I think it depends on your pool of candidates, where you are in the process, how comfortable you are with what your options are."
MacPhail talked to Wedge, the former Indians manager, on Wednesday. Valentine, a former Mets and Rangers manager, was interviewed on Friday.
With Juan Samuel working on an interim basis in place of fired Dave Trembley, MacPhail stressed that no decision is looming and no further interviews are scheduled.
Perhaps Jason Bay will find his power facing AL teams. Maybe the interleague interruption will help Matt Holliday recover his home run swing.
They need some sort of lift. So do Chone Figgins and John Lackey. So far the free agents who signed the largest contracts last offseason are not performing up to their multi-year deals.
How they’re faring as the interleague schedule moves into Day 4 of a 17-day run:
Matt Holliday isn’t putting up the kinds of numbers the Cardinals would like.
Matt Holliday, Cardinals
The seven-year, $120 million deal handed out by the Cardinals was questioned around baseball, but don’t mention buyer’s remorse to GM John Mozeliak.
The Cardinals keep saying Holliday is close to breaking out, and his .293 average and .370 OBP are not far below his career numbers of .317 and .386. His run-producing numbers, however, are lacking. Holliday is hitting just .206 with runners in scoring position and ranks 10th in RBIs among NL cleanup hitters. He is on pace for 16 homers and 65 RBIs.
More than once, Holliday has reminded the media in St. Louis that he started slowly last season and still managed 24 homers and 109 RBIs.
Facing the team that traded him to St. Louis could help. The A’s, who visit Busch Stadium this weekend, have an AL-worst 5.25 road ERA.
Chone Figgins, Mariners
If nothing else, the Mariners’ season gone wrong has provided another reason why the media should avoid predictions. Picked to contend, the Mariners have spent most of the season in last place. Figgins has played a big part in the disappointment.
One of the game’s top leadoff hitters in 2009, Figgins was signed to a four-year, $36 million deal to hit behind Ichiro Suzuki and give the Mariners a potent 1-2 punch. But Figgins, with as many strikeouts as hits, is hitting .227/.336 — and those numbers are on the upswing. Figgins hasn’t had his average over .230 in two months, and was dropped to ninth in the order last week.
"We’re not just pointing a finger at him," Mariners manager Don Wakamatsu said last week. "We’re not getting enough run production, and we’re just looking at any way we can. Figgie’s a good player who went through some struggles."
Scouts say Figgins’ failings are easily explainable: Moving him to second base from third just before spring training threw him off, and he hasn’t adjusted. His stats suggest another reason: Figgins, a switch-hitter, is hitting .185 from the left side, more than 100 points below his career .296. His numbers hitting righthanded — .311/.383 — are well above his career averages.
After a rough weekend against the Padres, the majors’ ERA leaders, Figgins and the Mariners finish a long road trip against the Cardinals, who sport the second-best ERA.
John Lackey, Red Sox
With seven wins and three losses, Lackey hasn’t been totally lacking, and he has turned in strong performances in his past two outings. Still, his 4.54 ERA is well above his career 3.85.
What’s the problem? Pitching in the AL East with Fenway Park as your home park is not easy. Lackey’s 5.10 home ERA is more than a run higher than his road ERA. Overall, he is allowing more hits (10.0 per nine innings) and walks (3.9) while striking out fewer (4.9) hitters than he has during any season in his career. And this is just Year 1 of a five-year, $82.5 million contract.
Lackey next starts Thursday against Arizona, which totaled six runs in losing a three-game series at Fenway in 2008.
Jason Bay, Mets
After landing a four-year, $66 million deal with the Mets, few figured Bay would hit 36 homers like he did for the Red Sox last season. His new home, Citi Field, is not kind to power hitters. But nobody would have guessed Bay would have the same number of homers (four) and fewer RBIs (25 to 26) than teammate Angel Pagan.
Like the others here, Bay hasn’t been a total disappointment. His defense has been better than advertised, and he leads the Mets in runs scored, partly because he has missed only one game. His calm, professional approach also has played well with his new team, which has moved into second place behind strong pitching and improved chemistry.
His next series is at Cleveland, where he has hit three homers in six games.
Stan McNeal is a writer for Sporting News. E-mail him at smcneal@sportingnews.com.
Perhaps Jason Bay will find his power facing AL teams. Maybe the interleague interruption will help Matt Holliday recover his home run swing.
They need some sort of lift. So do Chone Figgins and John Lackey. So far the free agents who signed the largest contracts last offseason are not performing up to their multi-year deals.
How they’re faring as the interleague schedule moves into Day 4 of a 17-day run:
Matt Holliday isn’t putting up the kinds of numbers the Cardinals would like.
Matt Holliday, Cardinals
The seven-year, $120 million deal handed out by the Cardinals was questioned around baseball, but don’t mention buyer’s remorse to GM John Mozeliak.
The Cardinals keep saying Holliday is close to breaking out, and his .293 average and .370 OBP are not far below his career numbers of .317 and .386. His run-producing numbers, however, are lacking. Holliday is hitting just .206 with runners in scoring position and ranks 10th in RBIs among NL cleanup hitters. He is on pace for 16 homers and 65 RBIs.
More than once, Holliday has reminded the media in St. Louis that he started slowly last season and still managed 24 homers and 109 RBIs.
Facing the team that traded him to St. Louis could help. The A’s, who visit Busch Stadium this weekend, have an AL-worst 5.25 road ERA.
Chone Figgins, Mariners
If nothing else, the Mariners’ season gone wrong has provided another reason why the media should avoid predictions. Picked to contend, the Mariners have spent most of the season in last place. Figgins has played a big part in the disappointment.
One of the game’s top leadoff hitters in 2009, Figgins was signed to a four-year, $36 million deal to hit behind Ichiro Suzuki and give the Mariners a potent 1-2 punch. But Figgins, with as many strikeouts as hits, is hitting .227/.336 — and those numbers are on the upswing. Figgins hasn’t had his average over .230 in two months, and was dropped to ninth in the order last week.
"We’re not just pointing a finger at him," Mariners manager Don Wakamatsu said last week. "We’re not getting enough run production, and we’re just looking at any way we can. Figgie’s a good player who went through some struggles."
Scouts say Figgins’ failings are easily explainable: Moving him to second base from third just before spring training threw him off, and he hasn’t adjusted. His stats suggest another reason: Figgins, a switch-hitter, is hitting .185 from the left side, more than 100 points below his career .296. His numbers hitting righthanded — .311/.383 — are well above his career averages.
After a rough weekend against the Padres, the majors’ ERA leaders, Figgins and the Mariners finish a long road trip against the Cardinals, who sport the second-best ERA.
John Lackey, Red Sox
With seven wins and three losses, Lackey hasn’t been totally lacking, and he has turned in strong performances in his past two outings. Still, his 4.54 ERA is well above his career 3.85.
What’s the problem? Pitching in the AL East with Fenway Park as your home park is not easy. Lackey’s 5.10 home ERA is more than a run higher than his road ERA. Overall, he is allowing more hits (10.0 per nine innings) and walks (3.9) while striking out fewer (4.9) hitters than he has during any season in his career. And this is just Year 1 of a five-year, $82.5 million contract.
Lackey next starts Thursday against Arizona, which totaled six runs in losing a three-game series at Fenway in 2008.
Jason Bay, Mets
After landing a four-year, $66 million deal with the Mets, few figured Bay would hit 36 homers like he did for the Red Sox last season. His new home, Citi Field, is not kind to power hitters. But nobody would have guessed Bay would have the same number of homers (four) and fewer RBIs (25 to 26) than teammate Angel Pagan.
Like the others here, Bay hasn’t been a total disappointment. His defense has been better than advertised, and he leads the Mets in runs scored, partly because he has missed only one game. His calm, professional approach also has played well with his new team, which has moved into second place behind strong pitching and improved chemistry.
His next series is at Cleveland, where he has hit three homers in six games.
Stan McNeal is a writer for Sporting News. E-mail him at smcneal@sportingnews.com.
Mark Kass, for Sporting News
Al Harris has been rehabbing his knee since injuring it in Week 11 last season.
It would be hard to fault Packers cornerback Al Harris, 35, if he hung up his helmet and cleats after sustaining a major knee injury late last season. Instead, Harris has worked hard on his rehabilitation and is on schedule to return to the field this season, though he is not ready to put an exact date on his return.
Harris, heading into his 13th NFL season, tore a ligament in his left knee Nov. 22 while covering 49ers wide receiver Michael Crabtree. Harris not only tore this ACL, but he also sustained damage to other knee ligaments and leg muscles. In a recent interview with Mark Kass of The Business Journal of Greater Milwaukee, Harris talked about his rehab, how hard it was to watch the Packers’ 51-45 playoff loss at Arizona and his expectations for the 2010 season.
Question: How is your rehab coming along? And will you be ready for the season opener?
Al Harris: It is going really well. My trainers have done an awesome job getting me to the point I’m at right now. It has been tough, but I knew it would take a lot of hard work and I’m willing to do whatever I have to in order to get back on the football field. I am not going to make any predictions about when I will be ready, but the rehab is going really well and everyone is pretty excited about where I am at.
Q: What has been the toughest part of the rehab process? And did you ever consider retiring?
AH: No, not at all. It has been hard. But I never gave (retiring) any thought at all. You always have your doubters from people in the media and public. I let them doubt me, and I know I am going to prove them wrong. I am confident I am going to have a great year on the field this year and show that I can come back from something like this.
Q: When you return to the field, do you think you will be nervous given what you have gone through?
AH: I’m looking forward to it. I’m pretty sure there will be some nerves, but this will be my 13th season, so I’m pretty comfortable on the football field.
Q: How disappointing was it to get injured and have to watch the Packers lose a 96-point shootout to the Cardinals in the playoffs?
AH: I was excited for them and proud to be part of a team that made it to the playoffs. The part that was hard was actually watching the game to see situations where I knew I could have helped. It was hard to watch when it was a regular-season game, but when it got to the playoffs it was so difficult. I love playing in the playoffs and to not be out there was very frustrating.
Q: When you were a rookie, did you think you would be able to play this long in the NFL?
AH: When I started, I had a number in my head, and it was right around where I am at. I’ve been fortunate to be coached by some really good guys who have helped me be successful in my career. Lionel Washington was pivotal in my success and was key in my crossing over into the type of player that I’ve become.
Q: Who is the toughest NFL receiver you ever have faced?
AH: Jimmy Smith (Jaguars, 1995-2005). He was really good. He didn’t give away his routes. When I learned he was retiring, I was like, "OK, that’s good for me."
Q: The Packers had a successful conversion to the 3-4 scheme last year but struggled at the end of the season against the pass. What must be done to remedy that?
AH: I leave that up to the defensive staff. I’m pretty sure they will make the necessary adjustments and get people in the right spots. We know we are a good defense, in fact one of the top defenses in the league last year. We had some breakdowns, but we have to learn from them and make sure we don’t let the same things happen this year.
Q: After making the playoffs last season, how far can this team go in 2010?
AH: I think we are contenders. I think everyone in the locker room and everyone around the league believes we are contenders. We have a very good young team with veteran guys in the right spots. I think we have a really good shot at going a long way this year.
Mark Kass, for Sporting News
Al Harris has been rehabbing his knee since injuring it in Week 11 last season.
It would be hard to fault Packers cornerback Al Harris, 35, if he hung up his helmet and cleats after sustaining a major knee injury late last season. Instead, Harris has worked hard on his rehabilitation and is on schedule to return to the field this season, though he is not ready to put an exact date on his return.
Harris, heading into his 13th NFL season, tore a ligament in his left knee Nov. 22 while covering 49ers wide receiver Michael Crabtree. Harris not only tore this ACL, but he also sustained damage to other knee ligaments and leg muscles. In a recent interview with Mark Kass of The Business Journal of Greater Milwaukee, Harris talked about his rehab, how hard it was to watch the Packers’ 51-45 playoff loss at Arizona and his expectations for the 2010 season.
Question: How is your rehab coming along? And will you be ready for the season opener?
Al Harris: It is going really well. My trainers have done an awesome job getting me to the point I’m at right now. It has been tough, but I knew it would take a lot of hard work and I’m willing to do whatever I have to in order to get back on the football field. I am not going to make any predictions about when I will be ready, but the rehab is going really well and everyone is pretty excited about where I am at.
Q: What has been the toughest part of the rehab process? And did you ever consider retiring?
AH: No, not at all. It has been hard. But I never gave (retiring) any thought at all. You always have your doubters from people in the media and public. I let them doubt me, and I know I am going to prove them wrong. I am confident I am going to have a great year on the field this year and show that I can come back from something like this.
Q: When you return to the field, do you think you will be nervous given what you have gone through?
AH: I’m looking forward to it. I’m pretty sure there will be some nerves, but this will be my 13th season, so I’m pretty comfortable on the football field.
Q: How disappointing was it to get injured and have to watch the Packers lose a 96-point shootout to the Cardinals in the playoffs?
AH: I was excited for them and proud to be part of a team that made it to the playoffs. The part that was hard was actually watching the game to see situations where I knew I could have helped. It was hard to watch when it was a regular-season game, but when it got to the playoffs it was so difficult. I love playing in the playoffs and to not be out there was very frustrating.
Q: When you were a rookie, did you think you would be able to play this long in the NFL?
AH: When I started, I had a number in my head, and it was right around where I am at. I’ve been fortunate to be coached by some really good guys who have helped me be successful in my career. Lionel Washington was pivotal in my success and was key in my crossing over into the type of player that I’ve become.
Q: Who is the toughest NFL receiver you ever have faced?
AH: Jimmy Smith (Jaguars, 1995-2005). He was really good. He didn’t give away his routes. When I learned he was retiring, I was like, "OK, that’s good for me."
Q: The Packers had a successful conversion to the 3-4 scheme last year but struggled at the end of the season against the pass. What must be done to remedy that?
AH: I leave that up to the defensive staff. I’m pretty sure they will make the necessary adjustments and get people in the right spots. We know we are a good defense, in fact one of the top defenses in the league last year. We had some breakdowns, but we have to learn from them and make sure we don’t let the same things happen this year.
Q: After making the playoffs last season, how far can this team go in 2010?
AH: I think we are contenders. I think everyone in the locker room and everyone around the league believes we are contenders. We have a very good young team with veteran guys in the right spots. I think we have a really good shot at going a long way this year.
LeSean McCoy made a name for himself as a rookie last season.
PHILADELPHIA—For the past two seasons, the Eagles’ running attack has been more a weakness than a weapon.
The Eagles continued to feature a pass-reliant offense under Andy Reid, ranking 22nd in rushing in 2008 and ’09. They averaged 24 rushing attempts per game last season—and only the Cardinals (22.8), Colts (22.9), 49ers (23.2) and Bears (23.3) averaged fewer.
LeSean McCoy led the Eagles in rushing with just 637 yards. Former Eagle Correll Buckhalter actually had more yards with the Broncos (642) despite sharing Denver’s running duties with Knowshon Moreno.
The good news is the Eagles have been a perennial winner under Reid. The bad news is the Eagles’ running game has often struggled in three key areas: Short-yardage situations, the red zone and chewing clock while attempting to protect fourth-quarter leads.
The lack of a consistent running game also hurt the Eagles against quality opponents last season. In three losses to the Cowboys, the Eagles were badly outrushed (453 yards to 181 yards) and dominated in time of possession.
The Eagles have changed quarterbacks for ’10, trading Donovan McNabb to the Redskins and elevating backup Kevin Kolb. Will the Eagles’ running game make Kolb’s transition easier or tougher? Here are five questions that will help determine whether the Eagles run the ball more effectively this season:
Is McCoy ready for prime time?
McCoy had a nice rookie season, showing shifty moves and reliable hands as a receiver. His emergence made it easier for the Eagles to say goodbye to Brian Westbrook. However, McCoy will be asked to do more as the feature back from Week 1. His teammates say he is ready.
"He’s young, but he’s a pro," new Eagles back Mike Bell said. "You can expect a lot of big things out of him. I’d like to steal a couple of his moves. I like watching him run. He’s a like a basketball player playing football.
"He’s not going to shake you and run out of bounds. He’s going to shake you and lower his shoulder. That’s why I respect him."
If McCoy emerges as a 1,000-yard back, Eagles opponents will be forced to honor the run for the first time in a while. If McCoy doesn’t produce consistently from week to week, the running game figures to struggle.
Can the line open holes?
This unit has serious question marks. Center Jamaal Jackson still is recovering from a torn ACL sustained late last year—and the line was much better with him than without him. Left guard Todd Herremans has a nagging foot injury, but Reid says he’ll be ready for training camp on July 29.
Guard Stacy Andrews was inconsistent coming off a ’08 knee injury and struggled in his first year in the Eagles’ system. Even talented left tackle Jason Peters, acquired from Buffalo last spring, did not play up to expectations. For the Eagles to run better, this unit must play better.
Will Reid call enough running plays?
One school of thought says the Eagles will try to run more this season, hoping to take pressure off Kolb. However, if Kolb throws more accurately than McNabb, the Eagles actually might run less.
Picture the Eagles moving the ball more methodically downfield, relying on the short passing game and Kolb’s ability to hit receivers in stride. The better Kolb plays, the more difficult it might be for Reid to resist putting the ball in the air—especially with weapons like DeSean Jackson, Jeremy Maclin and Brent Celek. Don’t expect Reid to stick with a running game that doesn’t get results.
Is McCoy the only option?
Fullback Leonard Weaver averaged 4.6 yards per carry last season and probably deserved more than 70 carries.
"I’ve always been a guy that whatever the coach says, I do," Weaver said. "Of course, I would love to have a bigger role. But my job is to be ready when the coach asks."
Bell, signed as a free agent, led the Saints in carries last season (172) and will get the first shot to spell McCoy. Rookie back Charles Scott also will be given a chance to earn playing time.
McCoy was the only Eagles back to rush for more than 350 yards or two touchdowns last season. That must change.
Will the defense improve?
The Eagles slipped on defense last season, surrendering 337 points—the most the team had allowed since 2005. A host of new players could play key roles, including rookie safety Nate Allen, rookie end Brandon Graham, end Darryl Tapp (acquired from the Seahawks) and linebacker Ernie Sims (acquired from the Lions).
An improved defense will mean more opportunities for the offense as a whole, including the running game.
Clifton Brown is a writer for Sporting News. E-mail him at cliftonbrown@sportingnews.com.
LeSean McCoy made a name for himself as a rookie last season.
PHILADELPHIA—For the past two seasons, the Eagles’ running attack has been more a weakness than a weapon.
The Eagles continued to feature a pass-reliant offense under Andy Reid, ranking 22nd in rushing in 2008 and ’09. They averaged 24 rushing attempts per game last season—and only the Cardinals (22.8), Colts (22.9), 49ers (23.2) and Bears (23.3) averaged fewer.
LeSean McCoy led the Eagles in rushing with just 637 yards. Former Eagle Correll Buckhalter actually had more yards with the Broncos (642) despite sharing Denver’s running duties with Knowshon Moreno.
The good news is the Eagles have been a perennial winner under Reid. The bad news is the Eagles’ running game has often struggled in three key areas: Short-yardage situations, the red zone and chewing clock while attempting to protect fourth-quarter leads.
The lack of a consistent running game also hurt the Eagles against quality opponents last season. In three losses to the Cowboys, the Eagles were badly outrushed (453 yards to 181 yards) and dominated in time of possession.
The Eagles have changed quarterbacks for ’10, trading Donovan McNabb to the Redskins and elevating backup Kevin Kolb. Will the Eagles’ running game make Kolb’s transition easier or tougher? Here are five questions that will help determine whether the Eagles run the ball more effectively this season:
Is McCoy ready for prime time?
McCoy had a nice rookie season, showing shifty moves and reliable hands as a receiver. His emergence made it easier for the Eagles to say goodbye to Brian Westbrook. However, McCoy will be asked to do more as the feature back from Week 1. His teammates say he is ready.
"He’s young, but he’s a pro," new Eagles back Mike Bell said. "You can expect a lot of big things out of him. I’d like to steal a couple of his moves. I like watching him run. He’s a like a basketball player playing football.
"He’s not going to shake you and run out of bounds. He’s going to shake you and lower his shoulder. That’s why I respect him."
If McCoy emerges as a 1,000-yard back, Eagles opponents will be forced to honor the run for the first time in a while. If McCoy doesn’t produce consistently from week to week, the running game figures to struggle.
Can the line open holes?
This unit has serious question marks. Center Jamaal Jackson still is recovering from a torn ACL sustained late last year—and the line was much better with him than without him. Left guard Todd Herremans has a nagging foot injury, but Reid says he’ll be ready for training camp on July 29.
Guard Stacy Andrews was inconsistent coming off a ’08 knee injury and struggled in his first year in the Eagles’ system. Even talented left tackle Jason Peters, acquired from Buffalo last spring, did not play up to expectations. For the Eagles to run better, this unit must play better.
Will Reid call enough running plays?
One school of thought says the Eagles will try to run more this season, hoping to take pressure off Kolb. However, if Kolb throws more accurately than McNabb, the Eagles actually might run less.
Picture the Eagles moving the ball more methodically downfield, relying on the short passing game and Kolb’s ability to hit receivers in stride. The better Kolb plays, the more difficult it might be for Reid to resist putting the ball in the air—especially with weapons like DeSean Jackson, Jeremy Maclin and Brent Celek. Don’t expect Reid to stick with a running game that doesn’t get results.
Is McCoy the only option?
Fullback Leonard Weaver averaged 4.6 yards per carry last season and probably deserved more than 70 carries.
"I’ve always been a guy that whatever the coach says, I do," Weaver said. "Of course, I would love to have a bigger role. But my job is to be ready when the coach asks."
Bell, signed as a free agent, led the Saints in carries last season (172) and will get the first shot to spell McCoy. Rookie back Charles Scott also will be given a chance to earn playing time.
McCoy was the only Eagles back to rush for more than 350 yards or two touchdowns last season. That must change.
Will the defense improve?
The Eagles slipped on defense last season, surrendering 337 points—the most the team had allowed since 2005. A host of new players could play key roles, including rookie safety Nate Allen, rookie end Brandon Graham, end Darryl Tapp (acquired from the Seahawks) and linebacker Ernie Sims (acquired from the Lions).
An improved defense will mean more opportunities for the offense as a whole, including the running game.
Clifton Brown is a writer for Sporting News. E-mail him at cliftonbrown@sportingnews.com.
Sporting News staff reports
Because of injury situations around the majors, the Mike Lowell trade talks are heating up again, according to FoxSports.com. The Twins and Rangers reportedly have spoken to the Red Sox about Lowell, with the Angels also believed to have interest in the infielder.
Lowell has had trouble earning playing time with third baseman Adrian Beltre, first baseman Kevin Youkilis and DH David Ortiz all hitting well lately. Lowell, though, filled in for Youkilis (back spasms) on Friday and replaced him Saturday after he was hit on the elbow by a pitch.
Sporting News staff reports
Because of injury situations around the majors, the Mike Lowell trade talks are heating up again, according to FoxSports.com. The Twins and Rangers reportedly have spoken to the Red Sox about Lowell, with the Angels also believed to have interest in the infielder.
Lowell has had trouble earning playing time with third baseman Adrian Beltre, first baseman Kevin Youkilis and DH David Ortiz all hitting well lately. Lowell, though, filled in for Youkilis (back spasms) on Friday and replaced him Saturday after he was hit on the elbow by a pitch.
Sporting News staff reports
Astros right-hander Roy Oswalt told the Houston Chronicle that the Yankees fit the criteria for the type of team he would like to be traded to, if the team decides to move him. Oswalt added that he would like the chance to pitch with former Astros left-hander Andy Pettitte again.
"I think it’d be great," Oswalt told the newspaper. "Me and Andy pitched together for three years and had a great time in Houston. We went to the World Series and missed it by a little bit, but he’s a great teammate, always picks you up. Seems like everywhere he goes he wins."
As for the Dodgers, another rumored suitor for Oswalt, the Los Angeles Times reported Oswalt’s big contract is a stumbling block for the team.
Sporting News staff reports
Astros right-hander Roy Oswalt told the Houston Chronicle that the Yankees fit the criteria for the type of team he would like to be traded to, if the team decides to move him. Oswalt added that he would like the chance to pitch with former Astros left-hander Andy Pettitte again.
"I think it’d be great," Oswalt told the newspaper. "Me and Andy pitched together for three years and had a great time in Houston. We went to the World Series and missed it by a little bit, but he’s a great teammate, always picks you up. Seems like everywhere he goes he wins."
As for the Dodgers, another rumored suitor for Oswalt, the Los Angeles Times reported Oswalt’s big contract is a stumbling block for the team.
